Review by Erin Winter
Swamp Raat
Swamp Raat are a four-piece alt outfit from Newcastle. Having only been working together for a year, Swamp Raat originally started as a three-piece until a few months ago their friend Mitch joined them as a second guitarist. The band have only recently began releasing their music and accumulating gigs to get themselves out there.
The band consists of Nathan Lee (Vocals and Guitar), Elliott Thompson (Bass), Mitch Connolly (Guitar) and Michael Lee (Drums). The band are mainly inspired by the 90s era of Grunge and Rock but have a range of individual influences, those mentioned by the band are, Hardcore, Metal and specifically the bands The Black Keys and Title Fight.
The local lads told me they are a band who ‘enjoy writing and playing music’ and that the main thing is that they are having fun doing so. Words I feel not every band is capable of meaning.
Blue
The track kicks off with a driven guitar riff shortly followed by the whole band, the two guitars are using call and response, which from the first few seconds creates an introspective atmosphere that takes you on an emotional journey. The call and response guitar line is repeated throughout the song in the Chorus with added feel from the vocal melody really giving it that gloomy feel.
The lyrics resonate so well with the title ‘Blue’, themes of reflection, loneliness and melancholy. This along with the catchy structure of the instrumentation creates a story longing you to listen for more.
The drummer and bassist play a punchy backbeat building a strong flow and open road for the atmospheric guitars to follow and add interesting elements with the patterns shifting the listener into different perspectives. The backbeat of the song almost creates a sense of urgency driving the song further.
The song ‘Blue’ expresses the raw emotion and talent put into Swamp Raat’s music. The lyricism and feel are truly of sincerity and emotional honesty.
The song as a whole has such an infectious melody leaving even just the first listening experience lingering in your mind. With nods to Shoegaze and Grunge the band still have captivated their own unique sound, which in a world full of strongly commercialized music is so important.
I am excited to see what comes next for Swamp Raat as the track has left me wanting more, make sure to keep an eye on the band as they continue their journey.
‘Blue’ is available on all streaming services Friday 1st of March 2024.